Neu joins OKCPS from Federal Way Public Schools, a minority-majority school district between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. His first day on the job will be sometime in July.

Neu plans on visiting the district in the coming months.

"The energy, excitement and community support in Oklahoma City is incredible,” said Neu. “I am impressed with the passage of the MAPS sales tax to rebuild downtown and renovate the schools. This is an amazing opportunity for me and my family to join a positive, forward-thinking community that has invested so heavily in its children."

Neu, 52, has 25 years of experience in education. He holds a B.S. from Eastern Michigan University, a Master's degree in secondary school administration from Central Michigan University and an Education Specialist degree from Oakland University.

He served two terms for the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, was a finalist for the 1998 Michigan Assistant Principal of the Year and was selected Michigan Basketball Coach of the Year in 2000.

During his four-year tenure with Federal Way Public Schools, student SAT participation increased from 25 to 94 percent.

He developed alternatives to suspension and expulsion, resulting in a 65 percent decrease in student expulsions, according to OKCPS. He also implemented an academic acceleration program that identifies high-performing students and enrolled them in advanced-placement courses.

“The Board of Education has given me a great opportunity to improve the learning environment and achieve great success for the students in Oklahoma City,” said Neu.

“As the board progressed through the interviews, it was evident that Mr. Neu was the clear choice to lead our district,” said Lynne Hardin, OKCPS Board of Education chairperson.

As superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools, Neu will oversee 46,000 students and lead 5,000 employees.

His contract is effective July 1 and renewable annually for an initial three-year period. He will be paid a $240,000 salary along with an annual $10,000 car allowance and $25,000 in annuities.